Leg Tourniquet Treatment to Protect the Brain After Cardiac Arrest

Plain-English translation of NCT06473207 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a procedure called remote ischemic post-conditioning (RIPOST) in people who have survived a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. The treatment involves three sessions where a blood pressure cuff is placed around your thigh and inflated and deflated in cycles to briefly reduce blood flow to your leg. Researchers believe this simple procedure may help protect your brain from injury after cardiac arrest.

When the heart stops, the brain can be damaged from lack of oxygen — even after the heartbeat is restored. This trial is exploring whether this non-invasive leg treatment can reduce that brain damage and improve recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a return of heartbeat that lasted at least 20 minutes
you are currently on a breathing machine because you are unconscious (Glasgow Coma Scale score under 8)
you have at least one leg available for the cuff treatment without existing IV lines or other medical equipment on it
the first treatment session can be started within 4 hours of your heartbeat returning
a family member or legal representative can provide consent, or you are being enrolled under emergency procedures

You likely don't qualify if…

you are under 18 years old or pregnant
you were unable to walk independently before your cardiac arrest or were bedridden with significant care needs
the time without a heartbeat (before it was restored) lasted more than 60 minutes
you have significant bleeding that cannot be controlled, or your blood pressure remains dangerously low despite medications
you cannot have a tourniquet placed on either leg due to amputation, previous IV lines on both legs, or size incompatibility

What participation looks like

If you are in the treatment group, you will receive three sessions of the leg cuff procedure: one within 4 hours after your heart is restarted, one at 12 hours, and one at 24 hours. Each session lasts 40 minutes and involves the cuff inflating to 200 mmHg for 5 minutes, then deflating, repeated four times. The control group receives the same schedule but with the cuff applied without any inflation. You will be followed for 3 months total to see how well you recover.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 16, 2026 · Not medical advice

Leg Tourniquet Treatment to Protect the Brain After Cardiac Arrest

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations